Biblical Wisdom Literature

Introduction to Biblical Wisdom Literature

The Place of Proverbs in the Bible

Collections of Proverbs

The Poems of the Book of Proverbs

The Relation of Proverbs to Covenant

Interlude — Some Wisdom Psalms

Job and the Suffering of the Innocent

Job — The First Cycle of Conversations

Job — Deepening the Conversation

Job — Second and Third Conversation Cycles

Job — The Wisdom Poem and the Conclusion

Job — Elihu's Defense of God's Honor

Job — Reflections on the Book as a Whole

Interlude — Prayer in Times of Suffering

Qoheleth — The Inadequacy of Human Wisdom

Qoheleth — Skepticism About Easy Answers

Qoheleth — Keeping Faith During Confusion

Interlude — Wisdom Psalms for Uncertainty

Sirach — a Traditional Approach to Wisdom

Sirach on the Cultivation of Virtue

Sirach's Wisdom Poetry

Sirach on Divine Providence Within History

The Song of Songs — Love as the Answer

The Song of Songs — Levels of Meaning

Interlude — Wisdom Psalms on Perseverance

Daniel — Wisdom Through Dream Visions

Daniel — God's Providential Plan for History

The Wisdom of Solomon on Divine Justice

The Wisdom of Solomon on Death

The Wisdom of Solomon on Prayer

The Wisdom of Solomon on Divine Providence

Interlude — a Wisdom Psalm on Torah

Jesus as Wisdom Teacher

Jesus and the Wisdom Stories in the Gospels

Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount

Overview of Biblical Wisdom Literature